Healthy Communication in your Relationship



Good communication is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship.  When people stop communicating, they stop relating well, and times of stress and change can really bring out disconnect.  As long as you are communicating you can work through whatever problem you’re facing.

Each of us is a little different in how we best receive information. Some people may respond better to sight, sound or touch.  Your partner’s responses may be different than yours.  Take some time and learn your partner’s cues, and be sure to communicate yours as well.  For example, one person may find a brief massage after a stressful day a loving mode of communication – while another might prefer to talk over a hot cup of tea.

Honest, direct communication is a key part of any relationship. When both people feel comfortable expressing their needs, fears and desires, trust and bonds are strengthened.  Critical to communication are non-verbal cues – body language like eye contact, leaning forward or away, or touching someone’s arm.

For a relationship to work well, each person has to be receptive to sending and receiving non-verbal cues.  Learning to understand this “body language” can help you better understand what your partner is saying.

Conflict is inevitable in relationships, however in order to keep the relationship strong, both people need to feel they’ve been heard.  The goal is not to win but to resolve the conflict with respect and love.

Here are some ways to make sure you are respectfully resolving conflict: 1) Make sure you are fighting fair  2) Don’t attack your partner directly but use “I” statements to communicate how you feel  3) Don’t drag old arguments into the mix 4) Keep the focus on the issue at hand, and respect the other person

Effective Communication is essential and important in relationships.  Put a premium on openness, find ways to be honest, express yourself, and share ideas.  Share your problems, the good and the bad, this will strengthen and deepen communication in the relationship.

Relationship Talk

Commit to spending quality time together on a regular basis. No quality time, and communication and understanding start to erode. Even during busy and high stress times, spending a few moments to share and connect will keep the communication bond strong.  What can you and your loved one do today to communicate more effectively?

Commitment is key in relationships

Consider for a moment the bond between two people. Think of this, if you put two magnets together, by natural force of gravity there is no way that you can keep them apart. The same sentiment applies to relationships. The binding force in a relationship is commitment.

Commitment is one of the key components in a relationship. In every relationship the waves of ups and downs will come, complacency may set in but it’s the “I’m going to be here no matter what” attitude that will keep the relationship thriving. The extreme dedication and devotion to your partner is what’s necessary to create stability for him/her. When your partner can depend on you being there, they will relax and not be shaken when concerns or differences arise in the relationship because they can rest easy on your commitment to them.

As you create a strong foundation of commitment in your relationship, you will reap the endless benefits. Let’s explore a few of the benefits you will experience by making commitment your number one priority. 1) Companionship: We are all social beings and are comforted by closeness. You will be happier and healthier in your relationship. 2) Community: Extended family, friends, neighbors, churches, and other forms of supportive relationships thrive on the stability of committed relationships. 3) Intimacy: Emotional closeness, love, trust, and mutual support, builds and improves over time in a committed relationship, therefore it is more difficult to achieve outside of a committed relationship. These benefits will undoubtedly knock down any walls of insecurity that may have tried to take shape in the relationship.

Though it takes energy and concerted effort on your part to be involved in a relationship, don’t work against gravity! Decide to take it a step further and ensure your partner is aware of your unwavering commitment to them. Remind them often that you’re in the relationship for the long haul, and they can count on you being around. Not only will your partner be content and secure but it will fill you up in ways you may have never imagined.

Relationship Talk:

What can you and your partner do today to express your commitment to one another? Together, come up with new ways to positively highlight your commitment.